Kullu, Hamirpur ZPs termed best in state

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 18

The Kullu and Hamirpur Zila Parishads (ZPs) have been elected the best ones in the state under the National Plan for Technical Assistance (NPTA) scheme, Government of India.

Besides, the Panchayat Samiti, Basantpur (Shimla district), Panchayat Samiti, Bhoranj, and gram panchayat, Pahlu (Hamirpur) and gram panchayat, Kasba Paprola (Kangra district), have also been elected the best under the NPTA.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anil Sharma stated this here today. He said the Kullu Zila Parishad had been elected the best for the fourth time and it would get Rs 30 lakh as special prize money. The Zila Parishad (Hamirpur) would be awarded Rs 30 lakh and Panchayat Samitis (Basantpur and Bhoranj) Rs 20 lakh each as prize money. A sum of Rs 5 lakh each would be given to the gram panchayats of Pahlu and Kasba Paprola.

The awards will be given on the occasion of Panchayat Diwas on April 24.

The minister said the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj had renamed the Panchayat Empowerment and Accountability Incentive scheme as NPTA which was aimed at empowering the Panchayati Raj Institutions.